Monday, November 30, 2009

Bella Petite Interview and Model Talk, too short for what?

Tomorrow December 1st I will be speaking on BellaPetite.com's radio show about modeling as a shorter girl and my journey, sharing tips and advice and insight on self promotion and marketing as well.

When:

1:30 pm EST

10:30 am PST

Tune in by clicking this link to the Bella Petite Hour radio show:
http://bellapetite.com/2005/



And, come up this week, on Weds. 12/2/2009 at 11:00 AM - I will be sharing moments from my own modeling pursuits when height didn't matter to model. And I will be suggesting ways to create a compcard that will capture and show off the marketable you, that has nothing to do with your height.


Hold the date, and save the link to tune in here. 12/2/2009 1:00 PM

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/12/02/height-isnt-everything-in-modeling-capturing-the-marketable-you

Sunday, November 29, 2009

can you live without your cell phone for 7 hours

won't be checking my email for 7 hours tomorrow while on the train (no charger for phone and it is on last bar), it will be a test to see if it can be done without a spaz attack. I will be writing though, and preparing new projects and my journal should be very full when I arrive back in NYC tomorrow. No calls, no email check, oh my!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

A chat with Mediamoiselle.com on modeling, books and striving

Enjoy this fab interview with Jennifer of Mediamoiselle.com. I talk about the journey of striving as a model and how being indie and creating your own is possible, along with sharing insight into my memoir Almost 5'4" and my graphic novel Model Life, which I also hope you enjoy!



Or your can find the interivew on mediamoiselle.com or Youtube.

Isobella Bella Petite interview December 1st


On December 1st I will be on Ann Lauren's BellaPetite hour radio show. BellaPetite.com is a magazine and home for the real petite, (5'5" and under).

Bella Petite's motto is “never underestimate yourself."

I'll be talking on the show about just this, and how aspiring models can use what they DO have to get ahead, no matter their height and how modeling is more than height and inches if you know how to market what you've got.

Tune in Tuesday here: http://bellapetite.com/radio/

Friday, November 27, 2009

Chickspeak.com asks me about modeling and books and my biz here

Chickspeak.com's Katherine Chen asks me about modeling and books in this interview, asking "In a nutshell, what advice would you give to models who think they are “too short” to make it in the fashion industry? " I answer that and other topics among models and my books, follow the link. Aim high!

http://chickspeak.com/blog/2009/11/25/spotlight-on-isobella-jade-a-real-fashion-warrior/

Thursday, November 26, 2009

On the Morning Media Menu podcast here


On Weds morning I did an interview with Media Bistro, the media outlet that first broke my story of writing my first book, my memoir Almost 5'4" at the Apple store while striving as a model, I also talk about Model Life my graphic novel, and the how-to-modeling book I am preparing currently which is based on this blog and my own radio show podcast where I gives tips and insight on being a model daily.

Here is a link to insight on FishbowlNY to the podcast interview on self promotion and my journey as a writer and model:
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/menu/petite_model_author_and_selfpromotion_pro_isobella_jade_on_the_menu_144234.asp


And this is insight on Galleycat that shares insight from the interview on how to use Google to grow your brand as well, I hope it could be helpful for any business, person, brand:

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/buzzpr/search_optimization_tools_for_book_publicity_144264.asp

No matter your pursuit, your own will matters SO much, your own positive attitude and what you put in.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Who wears the clothes? Fashion's Reality Check WWD

This morning I wanted to clench my fist and scream YES, YES, YES! While reading an article by Nick Axelrod and Venessa Lau, in WWD, called Who Wears the Clothes?
At last! An article about how fashion needs to “give up the fantasy and grow up into reality.” At last! I never thought, growing up in Syracuse, NY, that I would know who Oscar de la Renta was or Roberto Cavalli or Donna Karen or Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and many others who are in the magazines and newspapers each day. Growing up I only knew DEB, JC Penny. H&M didn’t even come into my hometown until I was in college.

And yet you don’t have to be born with it, for “it” to creep up on you. As I have reached my adulthood “fashion” has seeped into my veins and as Advertising boosts to all media formats, I realized the amount of knowledge I have gained on fashion, the names, people, the history, and I didn't go to fashion school. I especially notice it when I pack my bag for Thanksgiving in Syracuse, NY and purposely try to bring items that are NOT as fashionable. I don't even own a black turtle neck anymore!

Going home always reminds me of how I was fine and dandy not even knowing these labels growing up. I appreciate fashion as an art, a craft, but because I didn't have it when I was younger, and found passions (running, art, writing) beyond it, I don’t obsess or cry if I don’t have this seasons shit. Also my mother wasn't a fashion freak, so perhaps that is why I do enjoy fashion, fashion magazines, clothing, shoes, but I know these items are items, not something that should define a person.

Yet I will admit, when my fiancĂ©e presented me with my first pair of Prada sandals this past summer, I couldn’t believe it. OMG! OMG! OMG! And jumping into his arms.

Despite the excitement, the obsession of fashion in our nation has made women emotional upset and mad. The fantasy has become too much of a so-called reality in the minds of designers. They have this unrealistic mindset of what is real and sellable.

But this is not new news to me, I have always felt this, fashion should be what the word suggests, something wearable. Something to cover our naked bodies. Something that makes us feel attractive, something that WE like, and that it should be designed for PEOPLE, for the customer, NOT just an ego or fantasy. It doesn’t take a Brain Surgeon, to figure this out. Why does designing for American women have this “boring sound” to it, like the words average, normal, and “for all sizes” sting the sewing machines. The reason is because the image of the clothing, the ad, the appeal is bitchy, rude, FU! And with it comes this thing we as people have created called Prestige. The "I am better than you because I am wearing this shit persona."

And also, since I mainly advocate on modeling currently let's go there too: the model in the ad today, is not related to the customer. (Grab all those fashion magazines and take a look, it might be pretty, well crafted, pretty makeup, styling, but does it make you want to buy the clothing, or just frame the image?)

I don’t think the customer would mind if the girl modeling the clothing, shoes, jewelry, were someone she could better relate to?

Models were not always 6 feet tall. Look at the 60’s, 50’s. The models were more realistic to the customer. Why this changed is a mistake in my mind.

I liked the chart in the article that showed an illustration of the heights of the customers of designers these days. Yet it isn’t like women’s bodies have changed THAT much, I mean why were designers always designing for the “actual bodies” of the customers always? Let’s talk about Queens and Princesses, they first led fashion and not all of them were itty bitty small…or tall.

I am not tall, I am petite, and although I am fit and have a trim body it is HELL sometimes shopping. Pants too long, and going to the tailor time and time again is a true pain in the ass, most of the time. I am always hunting for “SHORT” sized pants. Usually they are gone.

Basically I think the article was important in not just Fashion Terms but for how the change and realistic mindset of designers will begin to affect the rest of the retail industry and the psychology of it’s customers. Let’s just simply start with Height.

The Average American Women is:
5’3” or 5’4”

That alone should inspire some changes.

Let’s just face the facts. The customer can handle seeing how the garment would look on someone her size.

So not only will designers sell more, but also the customer will feel welcome no matter her height or size.

Thank you for this article, it is long past due! :)
Isobella

Monday, November 23, 2009

Model Life feature in the NYDailyNews!


Yay, I wanted to share a feature in the New York Daily News on my graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Sized Fashion Warrior," and my Illustrator Jazmin Ruotolo, and my self. I hope you enjoy it and check out Model Life :)

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2009/11/22/2009-11-22_petite_model_and_internet_personality_isobella_jade_tells_her_story_in_a_graphic.html

Saturday, November 21, 2009

my twitter quote

In this self-made world, you have to be picky about how you handle your options, or create a better option 4 urself.

Models that jump or hang.

When I lived near Water Street I was shocked when model Ruslana Korshunova, 20, jumped to her death. Even recently, when I go to FED Ex on Water Street I feel slight chills thinking about it. Recently I read that South Korean Supermodel Daul Kim hung herself.

It makes me wonder and sad that if under the makeup and clothing the girls do not have love for themselves? To model, I think that it takes confidence and one has to have very,very thick skin. This sad news makes my head tilt down as I type this, these girls are walking the catwalk but are they not mentored? Do they not feel they can share things with their agents, especially if they are depressed? The highs and lows of working in a fast pace industry can take a toll on the mind and emotions. What do you think about this?

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/11/21/2009-11-21_south_korean_supermodel_daul_kim_hangs_herself_after_blogging_about_depression.html

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Short Model Support podcast radio show on self promotion


At 9pm EST 11/18/09, Isobella shares a recap of ANTM cycle 13 and shares a recap from her Model Life book party on her podcast radio show, along with tips for self promotion and marketing yourself as a model. And how visiting the magazine section in a bookstore can help you be the model in the magazine.

Tune in live at 9pm, or listen to the archive anytime you'd like:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/11/19/short-model-support-aiming-high-and-getting-more

The Models of the Model Life book party photo-shoot

Most book parties allow the author to mingle with their readers, for the Model Life book party it was an interactive experience where guests were able to watch live petite models model shoes from Bakers. It was an amazing time, and here are some of my favorite shots of the girls from the photo-shoot shot by Robert Milazzo at MercBar in SoHo.

Guest also enjoyed sampling some of my favorite "petite" fashion and cosmetic brands. We had the participation of Sweet Petite's, Lula Lu Lingerie, LUSH, Michael Antonio shoes as well, as Styli-Style cosmetics!

Sonya.


Leila.


Tifanny.


Cheli.


Ashley.

Model Life shoe modeling photo-shoot winner is...


Leila!

She modeled the shoes in a great way that represented what a shoe ad looks like, (I would have liked to see a bit more of her personality), see below for a couple of my favorite shots of her, she has won a $75Gift Certificate from Sweet Petite Apparel.


Airbrush lingerie experience, it is a favorite!

Yesterday I did some airbrush body art. Typically I stray away from body art, it can look often untasteful and unless it has an advertising feel, or editorial beauty type feel it can "just be a cool shot" but it might not help your pursuits as a model, unless very WELL done.

Yesterday it was VERY well done. The concept was to paint lingerie on me to look as real as possible. A piece of beautiful lace was put against my backside, then the airbrush was sprayed against it. What was left was a beautiful, real looking pair of panties, it was really impressive. I had a gold base on my legs and I put on a pair of black fishnets and the artist then airbrushed black against the fishnet. Then the fishnets came off and omg, it was so beautiful. And real looking.

A line of burgundy sequins made the top of the thigh highs and more lace was airbrushed on to the top of them to give that real appeal.

I hope to share some pics soon.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Saturday, November 14, 2009

An Interview from the Model Life book party (video)

Enjoy this Fabulous interview after the Model Life book party with Colleen Brennan asking me about the root of Model Life!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Petite Models and Model Life party tonight! whoo hoo


Whoo hoo, tonight is the night you can stop by my Model Life book party, where modeling and the graphic novel world come together, shorter models and high shoes, red balloons and red drinks, art and fashion, and my passions all come together. I hope to see you at MercBar, 151 Mercer street the festivities start at 7pm! :)

Here is the scoop and more details on the launch party, where 5 petite models will be rockin out shoe modeling!

Isobella

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Models of the Model Life book party on podcast tonight




The Model Life book party pre-party. At 9pm Est tonight, Isobella speaks to the petite models (Tiffany,Cheli, Sonya, an Ashley) who will be shoe modeling during the live photo-shoot at her interactive book party tomorrow Nov 12 for Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior. They discuss modeling,being petite and how height isn't everything in modeling. Shoe model Leila can't join us this evening but she will be rockin' the shoes as well at the party~ :)

Tune in here at 9pm EST:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2009/11/12/The-Models-of-the-Model-Life-book-party-for-petite

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I had Yeats on my body today at a shoot.


I had Yeats on my body today at a shoot. "And pluck till time and times are done The silver apples of the moon The golden apples of the sun"

Monday, November 9, 2009

never give up


Spoke to Jennifer at Mediamoiselle today about modeling and Model Life, in SoHo, near the Apple Store actually. :)

Here are some final thoughts from the interview:

if you want it, go get it, jump the hurdles & when you succeed it will burn inside of you from those who doubted you, hang in there shorties.

Also I like this song Two Hearts by Phil Collins and these words:

"if you don't put faith in what you believe in. It's getting you nowhere."

Aspiring petite models in NYC meet Isobella Jade


If you live in NYC and you are an aspiring model, bring your compcard or portfolio to the book launch party for Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior on November 12th, 2009. Meet petite model, author, radio host Isobella Jade, and share your compcard with her and get some tips on being a height challenged model from a girl who's lived it.

Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior with Isobella Jade book signing.

When: November 12th 2009
Time: 7-9pm
Where: MercBar 151 Mercer Street New York, NY 10012
21 +, free

Saturday, November 7, 2009

modeling and publishing: a similar marketing mindset

I spoke about self promotion, pr and marketing at the Self Publishing Expo this morning/afternoon and no matter your pursuit, business, trade, from modeling to selling books, marketing is the word. Without it you can not grow.

Knowing how to target and market your product, brand, book, even if the product is yourself is the most important asset.

When you are a shorter model, then you need to have photos that enhance other facets than your height and show your look is marketable to the commercial print modeling world. Show in your photos, compcard, how you can model with brands and products.

When you are an author or brand you need to pitch your self to media sources and know all of the angles your brand can be pitched.

The more you know about your self, what is interesting, sellable about you, your brand or product the further you will go.

short model marketing compcard and portfolio question answered

A 22 year old girl asked me on facebook today a common question I get about compcard and portfolios and just tips on starting to pursue modeling, she asked:

1. Should I make a portfolio, compcard, or both?

2. I have been looking at commercial print modeling agencies, and most of them have a height requirement for open calls. Would it be best if I submitted a compcard through the mail? Or should I visit the agencies with a portfolio or compcard?
I'm just really trying to get out there. I just don't know what steps to take. Also, I am 22 years old, would that play a part in whether or not an agency would be interested in me or not? I just know that most models start when they are about 17 years old or so. Just any advice that you could give would be GREAT!!


My reply:

A compcard will get you further at the start than a portfolio. if you don't have a compcard how will you market yourself? You can't mail your portfolio in the mail but you CAN mail your compcards to print modeling agencies and talent agencies.
With your questions about compcard and portfolio in mind and model marketing I'd like to suggest you read some of these posts from my model blog below, I think the insight will really help you and your pursuits. I've used www.compcard.com, tell them I refered you

I am not sure how tall you are, but most models do not start when they are 17. Models are ALL ages, even grandmothers model. Everyone has a different story. However for fashion it is a totally different world than it is for a shorter girl, and commercial print should be the area you pursue. If you are under 5'7" there is a totally different way to market yourself to agencies. No open calls, and a lot more self-made work involved and self-marketing.

A lot of new aspiring shorter models start by freelancing and working non-exclusively with print modeling agencies. They get the agency by mailing their compcards in the postal mail. Yes we are in the Internet Age but the postal mail is taken more seriously with print modeling agencies, and modeling portfolio sites are a waste of time. Agencies do not scout on the web, not legit ones usually.

With the Internet age comes scams and with so many girls want to be models there are MANY model scams out there and it is easy to fall for one. Also, many amatuer modeling agencies take advantage of naive girls, who get screwed by paying amatuer agencies for photos ,portfolios, before they neven have been booked a job or know they really want to pursue modeling anyways.

So below is a link to short model basics and they should help you skip scams and start to market yourself, and I would prepare for ALOT of hands on work.

Modeling is a challenge, and just having an agency, just shooting for a magazine, for an ad campaign doesn't mean next week you will have the phone ringing, it is a non-stop pursuit. :) For now, to start it is best to a make a compcard. Make it commercial print friendly. And then market yourself to agencies with the compcard. Unlike fashion, the short girl has to self promote and there is a lot of hands on work involved. We make our compcard, we mail them to agencies. We have to give the agencies a reason to invest in us, show we CAN model, vs the agency saying discoverying you because that doesn't happen anymore, it is about discovering you self and finding ways to market what you are. For modeling it takes time, experience, and once you have experience you can get more opportunities but it is a growth and process. Getting those first experiences involves an investment of you of yourself.

Here is a post I wrote with links to my short model basics. It will help!

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2009/08/short-model-how-to-basics-height-isnt.html

Friday, November 6, 2009

Self Publishing Expo Isobella Jade on self marketing

I will be speaking on a panel about self promotion and marketing for new authors at the Self Publishing Expo on Saturday morning at 11:30 called My Way. Self publishing Almost 5'4", my memoir, was my start into publishing and now while working with publishing houses on new books I share how self publishing can lead to brand building and even bigger things as well for writers.

More scoop on the Self Publishing Expo: http://www.selfpubbookexpo.com/

WHO: The Self-Publishing Book Expo

WHAT: Expo for Self-Published Books & Authors

WHEN: Saturday, November 7

9:30 am – 5:00 pm
General Expo admission: $15.00
Includes admission to the Exhibit Hall only

Expo and Panel admission: $30.00 

Includes admission to the Exhibit Hall and all panels, lectures and discussions throughout the day (admission to all panels is on a first come, first serve basis).

WHERE: Sheraton Hotel & Towers, 53rd St. and 7th Ave.
WHY: Open to the public, The Self-Publishing Book Expo will feature over 100 authors who will exhibit and sell their books. There will also be a series of panel discussions on a wide array of topics designed for aspiring and already published authors.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: WWW.SELFPUBBOOKEXPO.COM

MODEL LIFE BOOK SIGNING SCOOP


Enjoy a complimentary welcome champagne toast @ my book party for Model Life, my graphic novel, in soho on November 12th. With a live shoe modeling photo-shoot going on during the signing, featuring 5 petite models, it will be a memorable time and there are many door prizes (shoes, lingerie, beauty product samples)for guests to enjoy as well. I look forward to seeing you!

Isobella

BOOK SIGNING SCOOP:
Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior with Isobella Jade
When: November 12th 2009
Time: 7-9pm
Where: MercBar 151 Mercer Street New York, NY 10012

More details on the party are here on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/friends/?id=100000213522258#/event.php?eid=154254507699&ref=mf

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Andy Pettitte is my favorite Yankee player


My favorite Yankee player is Andy Pettitte, because not only is he handsome and talented but he has the word Petite stretched out in his name!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Model Life Book preview video here

Author Model Isobella Jade shares her graphic novel "Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior" available now. And some of her favorite pages of the book!

Short Model Support Print Modeling photo concepts Video here

Isobella shares the type of photos petite models should have since America's Next Top Model cycle 13 hasn't been doing this.

hanging in there

"Model Life" my graphic novel, does not have any vampires in it, but last night on Dr. Blogstein's Happy Hour my favorite party was when the author of True Blood said “I got where I am by hanging in there.” - Charlaine Harris

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

changes of centuries

Are you nervous to write 2010?


I am. A little. I am most nervous about the physical writing of 10' As in the date. It will be weird. It will be weird to have kids and have them born in 2013 or 2015 or something, it just looks odd on paper, in my mind. But think about how Andrew Carnegie lived between the changes of centuries. I guess 1910 was the same feeling 2010 will be for us.

Monday, November 2, 2009

What Tyra didn't do but could have done ethnic models


Tyra had an opportunity to feature models of all ethnicities on ANTM, and enhance how models of all ethnicities ARE used in ad campaigns. Here are some of my favorite ad campaigns that show different ethnicities. Girls have emailed me in the past and messaged me on Facebook about "being ethnic" and how they feel it holds them back. I however, try to give them a perception of how they can use their ethnicity as an "asset" to get ahead.

I wished she mentioned this instead of her weird jungle shoot.

These days in ads, editorials, ad campaigns, and on the runway, we see more than just one ethnicity. We see many. It is not talked about enough. Especially in print ads, not just in fashion editorials, but also in print ads for lifestyle products, and in Glamour and Marie Claire magazine often. LOOK closer and you will see how most of the time it is a white chick, Black, Asian, Spanish, all mixed together to make a beautiful ad campaign for many products out there.

I would like to see Jennifer win America's Next Top Model cycle 13, also because I think she would give a voice to the Asian models, and shorter aspiring models of all ethnicities as well. However ANTM doesn't really do much with the winner actually so I am not sure that unless Jennifer pursued it herself that it would happen. But I think in coming years we will see more than Devon Aoki and Tao Okamoto. They are actually taller than me!

I do well recognize this multiracial model, Juliana Imai, in this Matrix ad, I feel like I've seen her more than once, don't you?:



I hope to see more multiracial models out there.
As for print modeling, a shorter girl of any ethnicity should be pursuing commercial print modeling agencies if they are shorter than 5'7". This is a cool blog on Asian models by the way:
http://asianmodelsblog.blogspot.com/ and for those worried about their ethnicity remember also that Latina Magazine is a great one as well to check out. There is room in this modeling business for all of us!

autographed copies of Model Life has begun!


Today I autographed 5 in-store copies of "Model Life", my graphic novel, at Barnes and Noble in Union Square, omg it was a great feeling!!!